The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1, extending Toronto’s losing streak to eight games.
Oliver Kapanen scored his 20th goal of the season to lead Montreal’s offense. Phillip Danault also found the net, while Jake Evans sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.
Jakub Dobes made 17 saves for the Canadiens.
William Nylander scored Toronto’s lone goal. Joseph Woll stopped 30 shots but couldn’t prevent his team’s eighth straight defeat.
The loss puts Toronto on track to miss the playoffs after nine consecutive postseason appearances.
The Maple Leafs entered the night sitting 11 points outside a playoff spot. They now trail Montreal by 13 points, with the Canadiens holding the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference.
Cole Caufield was benched for most of the game’s final two periods. Montreal’s leading goal scorer appeared to be dealing with some kind of discomfort, with trainers checking on him periodically. It’s unclear when the injury occurred.
Caufield only saw ice time during two power-play shifts after late in the second period.
Toronto captain Auston Matthews extended his goalless drought to 12 games. The former 69-goal scorer continues to struggle offensively during Toronto’s skid.
What’s Next
The Maple Leafs host the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday.
The Canadiens visit the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.
